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Finest Day Out: West Didsbury

Time for another day out and this time we are hitting the trendy southern suburb of West Didsbury. Be prepared for poached eggs, Prosecco and pugs...

Dish & SpoonIf you are after cake, then look no further than Dish & Spoon. The coffee is delicious, and they have so many cakes to choose from-I always go for a Portuguese custard tart (pastel de nata) because I swear they are laced with crack.

David Gavin Design
You need to poke your head in this shop because it has such beautiful stuff. Sure, I can pretty much guarantee that you won’t be able to afford a single thing other than a cute cactus trinket dish or a mug with lobsters on it, but I love having a squinty in here and you will too.

The Epicurean
It’s a shame that Manchester isn’t swimming in decent beer shops, but this little store really makes up for it. Craft beers, ales and ciders from every corner of the world is the name of the game here, and if you, like me, know you enjoy beer but have no idea what kind you actually like, the staff will be happy to give you a hand. I always love going in before I have people for dinner, not everyone likes wine and sometimes a sad bottle of Becks just won’t do. While you are on Burton Road, I urge you to stock up your fridge here.

MothThis shop is almost single-handedly the reason why I have such a struggle with my bank balance every month. Moth is an interiors shop which is a vision of neutral tones and full of gorgeous bits from crockery to lampshades to lovely scented candles. The owner has a very cute dog as well which is a reason to go in its own right.

The Metropolitan
Everyone’s been to the Met, right? It is a South Manchester institution and probably the biggest pub for miles. I’m from the arse-end-of-nowhere in Cheshire, and the Met reminds me of the pubs at home, stylish, a little old-fashioned with a country feel and unapologetically a little bit posh.

The roasts are good and they have a pizza oven outside which always tempts me when I’m three or four beers down. They have loads of drinks available too, especially their Gin selection which is pretty impressive. If you are looking for a place to take your Nanna or somewhere to kick off an all-dayer than it would have to be the Met, every time.

Greens
Please don’t turn your noses up at this one just because it’s vegetarian- the food here is awesome. It is the brainchild of celebrity chef and Sunday Brunch presenter Simon Rimmer and has been going since 1990’s. The food is 100% vegetarian with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options too. Now, I am an avid meat eater but I must say one of the best sausages and mash I have ever had was from Greens. How? Well, you’re going to have to go in and try the Lancashire cheese, sage and onion sausages with mustard mash for yourselves.

ProoveIf you love pizza, you will love Proove. Authentic, Neopolitan-style pizza is the offering here with all the classic toppings you would expect and served on delicious sourdough bases. The arancini are some of the best I have ever eaten and it has been known that I order it straight to my house when I’m hungover which is 120 steps away from my house – I counted.

Namaste NepalEvery neighbourhood needs a cracking curry house and Burton Road certainly has one with Namaste Nepal. Expect Tiger Beer and all the classics with some Nepalese dishes too which really sets it above the rest. The service is incredibly friendly and attentive too much makes the whole experience one of the best in the whole of Manchester if you ask me.

Volta
If you live in town and have been to The Refuge, then you will fall in love with its little sister Volta. It has a similar vibe, but on a much smaller, cosier scale which can be described as intimate. The food is banging too- it’s all about small plates and sharers with dishes which have taken inspiration from all over the world. On Sundays, you can order a roast dinner platter, and my weekend isn’t complete without one of their spicy as f**k Bloody Marys.

Folk
Next door to Volta is Folk which is another bar which is famous for its drinks. They have a wonderful (and ever-changing) selection of beers and a cracking brunch menu which is just what you need after a heavy night out. In the summer, the outdoor area will be rammed, believe me, but this little bar is worth sitting on a strangers knee because it is so charming.

West Village/ Another Heart to Feed
This is one of my favourite bars in West Didsbury. Drinks are just what you want them to be, and in my opinion, it is home to one of the best G&T’s I have ever had. Why? I don’t remember, but all I know is that I’ve been thinking about it ever since. In the daytime, this joint plays host to kitchen pop up and brunch Mecca Another Heart to Feed which is hands down one of the best places for breakfast in the whole city. Their beetroot hummus with poached eggs, smashed avo and sourdough toast is the stuff of legend and you are going to love it.